Christmas Lights!!!!

The family enjoyed taking a walk through a neighborhood in Chino to enjoy the lights. Apparently, this neighborhood is usually completely lit up but this year, some homes were for sale and forclosed so there were some gaps in the dazzling array of lights. It also was Dec 6th so maybe they weren't all quite done decorating. Either way--we had a wonderful time---until the meltdowns of course! :)

Funny Videos

My little Finny is such a giggly boy!

This absolutely cracks me up!!! And you'll hear it, too!

Random pctures and updates

I already apologized about not being on top of my blog anymore. Sorry...it's just the way it goes. But I figured it was time to at least update some pictures of the kiddos and to give a few updates.

1. Griffin is officially a thumb sucker! (KILL ME NOW!!!) I have tried everything to stop this but now that he sleeps through the night (OH YEAH) I really have no control over it. He just uses it to fall asleep and then it comes out---but I really didn't want a thumb sucker. I'd take a pacifier ANY day over the thumb---but oh well. Don't tell my mom...she'd have a fit!

2. I already mentioned that he sleeps through the night. He goes down around 9:30pm and doesn't get up till about 6 or so. Woo hoo! Getting him on cereal has really helped that! At his 4 month appt he was just shy of 17 pounds and 27 inches long. He's sooooo stinking cute!

3. Charlotte is still in diapers. It's worth mentioning but I think we are getting closer. She obsesssed with flushing toilets and seeing her poop. That's close, right?

4. Raresh is still a hard working hubby that is making this stay at home business AWESOME! I love you so much for that honey!!!

5. I'm getting better at the stay at home life. I have a cleaning schedule I adhere to about 75% of the time and I've been cooking at least 2 times a week. HEY, that's a start!

Also, getting very excited for Christmas! It's so fun when you have kids!

Here are some photos:

Griffin all set for Christmas light looking...

A little Chick-Fil-A visit. Charlotte loves dressed up characters!Cookie decorating with little Dominic.Yes...she is wearing an adorable apron...thank you Auntie Rachel!A trip to Knott's Merry Farm---Little Charlie is not so "merry" Notice all the kids looking at the little crying girl...that's mine!Talking to some studs...Me and my babies on the carousel!

I also have a few videos of Finny...I'll post next.

Thanksgiving Weekend

WOW...where the heck have I been??? Clearly, I haven't been in the cyber world but sad to report I actually haven't been anywhere! It's nearly impossible for me to do anything fun and last minute right now. Life is busy. BUSY and a little unpredictable with my little 4 month old and my 2 and 1/2 year old. I've had no time or desire to blog. The truth is--I no longer enjoy it as much because I hate sitting in the computer area. It's not warm, inviting, or friendly...it's where all our bills, important stuff, and JUNK mail ends up and it's depressing. It's much more fun to plop down with the laptop in a nice inviting place like the family room. So why don't I plop down more often? Well, it's cause the laptop is usually with the hubby. He's going to school and he uses it for his papers and homework. So every now and then, I snatch it up and get the itch to type away.

Anyway... that's where I have been. Now on to more important things...Thanksgiving.
It was awesome. We hosted my in-law family this year. It was so nice! We had great fellowship, food and a time of reflection over the many blessings of 2010. My kind of Thanksgiving!

I promise to post pictures soon. It's just been crazy. I'm more concerned with snapping the photos than with uploading them. I'm sure I'll tackle that project one day. For now...trust me...it was a wonderful day and we all enjoyed ourselves.

I even got a little Christmas shopping done AND have finally mastered my housework schedule. It's been a week of my new schedule of housework and it's amazing how much better I feel just getting that under control. Wow...just realized that's another thing I can be thankful for!

Well..that's it for now.

Until next month... HA HA

8 year anniversary

Raresh and I will be celebrating 8 years of marriage on November 2nd! I can't believe it's been 8 years. In 8 years, we've moved 3 times, changed jobs, had 2 beautiful kids and through it all--managed to truly continue to love one another through the good and the bad.

Our church, Kindred Community Church in Anaheim Hills is doing a great series on marriage on Sunday Nights. If you're able to attend, you won't be sorry. In this day and age marriage is viewed as something that is temporary. We see that everywhere we look. People get together and decide to get married and then when the going get tough the tough get going. It's really sad. We work harder at our work relationships and friendships than we do at our own marriages. My favorite word picture that our pastor shared last week was that we need to think of our marriage as a house with all the doors and windows bolted and chained shut. That way if a fire breaks out the couple would put every effort into putting out the fire together rather than running out of the house and letting it burn to the ground. That's a really powerful way of thinking of marriage.

Well...since Raresh works on our actual anniversary--we decided to celebrate a few days early and go out to dinner at The Mission Inn. It was sooooo beautiful. We ate at the main restaurant in their beautiful courtyard! Oh my goodness---it was like a little piece of heaven. The food was AMAZING, the atmosphere beautiful and the company was absolutely the best part of the evening. We had so much fun enjoying our meal without the kids. We actually got to taste our meal. How nice that was. The conversation was so great, too. I even surprised him by bringing all of his letters and cards that he has written to me over the years. We only read the cards and we were ENJOYING it immensely. It's funny how your thoughts change from when you're 18 years old. HYSTERICAL! But also so sweet.

Anyway---I can go on and on...but for now I'll just say that every day with Raresh Isai is a gift and every time another year flies by I get more and more excited that we made it another year and that he still rocks my world.

I love you Raresh!

My sweet Griffin is 3 months

I can't believe little Griffin is already 3 months. It's more like big Griffin. He's a healthy happy boy that's about 15 pounds already. I also can't believe my blog entries are so few and far inbetween. I'm soooo busy with stuff and well...truth be told, now that I'm not sitting in front of a computer all day---the blogging isn't as easy to do.

HOWEVER--I needed to make sure I added a special little post for Griffin

In these past three months I have experienced so much joy being with my babies. Last time I had a three month old, I had just started back at work and was so depressed. This time, I'm home. Home where I belong. It's hard. It's really HARD. I want it all. I want to be at home and be the ones to raise my babies, but I miss my freedom, my friends at work, and let's be honest...the paycheck. But even though, this period is a major adjustment and it's not always candy and roses, I know it's what is best for my family and what God wants for us. It's so funny but there seems to be so much more pressure and responsibility to raise up a man. Is that weird? Don't get me wrong, I definitely want to raise up a wonderful woman/wife/mother for the Lord, but it's different when you are raising up a "leader" and "provider".

So my sweet little boy---I want to thank you---for being one amazing little kid. You are so good. You give the best little smiles and coos and only cry when something is really ailing you. You are an absolute joy and blessing in our lives and I'm honored and thrilled to be called your mommy. I love you Griffin John! I continue to pray that you will grow up to be a man of God who will serve Him with your entire heart, mind, and soul and who will be a wonderful husband to a lucky gal. I know it sounds silly but I seriously sit here and picture you all grown up. I know you will be one amazing adult. I just know it! (And since mother knows best...don't you dare make me look stupid! Got it...good.)

I love you!

Love,

Mommy

I'm having one of those days

I don't want to get into it...
But it's not a good day. And it's not even my kids that are causing this mood---although their crankiness is not helping. But today it's about me and how I'm feeling and today I'm not feeling well. It's nothing serious but it's enough to make me feel out of sorts. There is nothing like having to work when you are suffering. I have a new appreciation for people who are in constant suffering. My heart goes out to you more than I can say.

The only thing that brings me comfort is the verse--- Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." I'm tired, uncomfortable, and I just need rest---so thank you Lord for your never ending promise that only you can give me the rest and healing I so need.

I already feel better---just by thinking of His promises! Hope the rest of you out in the blogosphere are having a good day.

Griffin's Dedication

This past weekend, we dedicated our precious son to the Lord. What an amazing gift the Lord has given our family--2 beautiful, happy, healthy kids. Although, I am extremely grateful and thankful for these gifts, I know that these children are really only on loan to me. They ultimately belong to the Lord and my husband and my desire is that we raise these kids in wisdom for HIM. I pray the Lord will give me wisdom and strength to raise my children so that they love the Lord with all their heart, soul and mind and that one day they will accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior and begin a relationship with Him that will last their entire lives.

They dedication was beautiful and the time we spent with the entire family was so nice. I have many more pictures that family members took so I will have to post others later, but for now...here are two.

Is this what's in store for me??

Praise God... I got to go to MOPS today and after it was over I went to pick up Charlotte from the kids program and this is what our conversation went like:

Mommy: Did you have fun today?
Charlotte: Yes Mommy.
Mommy: Who did you play with?
Charlotte: Boys.

Wow...just like that I was silenced and for any of you that know me...that is hard to do.

My little 2 year old...already breaking hearts.

Yes...it's been a while

Hi guys! I know...it's been too long and I should have my priorities straight...but alas...my blog suffers.

Life is still busy...still crazy...but I love it!

The latest thing going on is that both my kiddos are sick and the timing is as always IMPECCABLE!!! Tomorrow is the first day of MOPS (moms of preschoolers) group and Sunday is our little Griffin's dedication and both the kids are sick!!! I'm so annoyed.

Also the hubby is officially back at work and that has kinda turned us upside down. Not because I can't do it on my own, but because he works nights...so that means he sleeps during the day and we need to try and keep quiet! Do you know how impossible that is? He uses earplugs and stuff but still---that means...no cleaning until he's up and doing everything and anything possible to get the kids out of the house for a few hours.

Anyway...so that's my sob story. And what helps a sob story turn into a bright story...some pictures of my sweet babies.

Enjoy---

All dressed up for church and brushing our teeth of course!

Her messy look.

Mr. Griffin---so sweet! And my two little dumplings...wow...no doubt their related!

Experiencing fatigue...in Fatigues!

Last Saturday we celebrated our good friend turning 5 years old! The little soldier requested a military party! His mother and my dear friend Suzy...threw one heck of a bash. Here are the troops from Camp Isai...reporting for duty. Charlotte was wearing not 1 but 2 caps...her little one was under the red one she is wearing in the picture. Griffin is sporting a little camo vest that my hubby made for him. Complete with a patch and his last name! It was a wonderful outing for our clan. Urrah baby!

Happy Birthday little man! Only 2 more years until you can have chewing gum!!! ha ha ha

Griffin is a little over 2 weeks old.

So our little guy turned 2 weeks old on Friday. I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks. I feel like he's always been around. A couple quick updates about our little guy. He's doing great! He eats like a champ. There is no doubt that this kid is getting enough food. The constant poopy diapers say it all! I know this sounds crazy...but praise God for poopy diapers. It's such a relief to know your child is eating. He also is a very good sleeper. He wakes up about 2 to 3 times a night but then falls right back asleep---so it's not too bad.

As for how the Isai's are handling 2 kids. Pretty good, I guess. I just can't quite seem to get into the groove of a routine that includes, children, housework, errands etc.--I guess that's expected for now. It's only been 2 weeks--but hopefully by the end of August, I'll get into some type of routine.

Charlotte is still doing well with her little brother. When he cries she runs over to him and touches his tummy and says 1 of 4 things..."Don't cry broder", "It's okay", "You hungry?" or "Tickle tickle". It's super cute to see the two of them together. I'm proud of my little girl. She's adjusted very well to her little buddy.

Griffin's first bath

Wow...what a difference from Charlotte's first bath. SHE HATED IT!!! Cried and pooped in the tub.

Griffin loved it. He squirmed a little but did excellent. I guess the nick name Fin will be appropriate because all that was missing was gills and a fin and we have ourselves a little fishy.

Brotherly and Sisterly love

It's been a week and our little family is doing very well. We had one really bad night for Griffin. Non-stop screaming for 3 hours! It was so bad, he lost his little voice. Talk about my heart breaking. But, good news is---a major change in my diet and it seems to be doing the trick. Don't ask what I'm eating cause it's pretty depressing---BUT worth the sacrifice to have a happy and healthy baby.

Charlotte and Griffin are so cute together. Of course, she's not always in the best of moods, but it has nothing to do with his arrival. It's just the typical testing any 2 year old would give you.

Charlotte and Griffin (3 days old)

Charlotte and Griffin (5 days old)

I'll check in soon.

What's in a name?

I wish I could say that I chose the name Charlotte and Griffin for these amazing reasons but the truth is...I just loved the way they sounded and the fact that they are great kid names but even better adult names. I mean, really when you think of it...we're adults a lot longer than we are kids, so it's important for me to know my kids will be able to grow into their names.

I wanted to share something about what the name Griffin represents. I wikipedia'd it.

As many of you might know...a griffin is a mythical animal---the head and wings of an eagle and the body of a lion.
This is what wikipedia says about it:
"The griffin, griffon, or gryphon (Latin: gryphus) is a legendary creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. As the lion was traditionally considered the king of the beasts and the eagle was the king of the birds, the griffin was thought to be an especially powerful and majestic creature. Griffins are normally known for guarding treasure and well valued priceless possession."

I love this...LOVE IT! How awesome to be able to tell my son, honey....your name symbolizes strength and a responsibility to guard and protect treasures and priceless possessions. He'll probably be confused and ask what treasure I'm referring to---and then I'll be able to share the treasures I'm talking about...
The treasure of family, love, friendship, salvation, service, and the church.

I'm happy with his name and with what I know it will symbolize for our family.

Love you baby Griffin.

Today I turned 30

Yep...I turned 30 today and received the best present ever! A new son 3 days ago.

I want to make sure I document the labor experience the way I did for Charlotte. Basically, my water broke at home around 3:15am--we called my friend Colleen to come over until my best friend Rachel could arrive to take care of Charlotte until my parents could come the next day at 12ish. (Yeah...it took 3 different people to care for Charlotte...--that's the beauty of living about an hour away from family).

We got to Kaiser Lakeview in about 20 minutes only to find that I was only dilated at 2cm and my contractions were so all over the place that once again I had to get on Potosin to get things going. This time however, I got the Epidural shortly after the Potosin was given numbing me beyond belief. I relaxed, watched COPS while labor got harder--well at least that's what the monitors were saying. I felt nothing. NOTHING. About 8 hours later...the nurse came in telling me I'm at an 8---and will be at a 10 very soon and will need to be ready to push. About 1/2 hour later...the delivery crew came in to tell me it's time. The male midwife told me he would like me to push laying on my side...with my leg up...(okay buddy...whatever you say)---3 very effortless pushes later..bam...my son was plopped on my chest. Then the crying began. I was sooo emotional right away. Not like with Charlotte--where I was in total shock until the next day.

A few things I want to make sure I document:
1. My anesthesiologist was half drunk...I'm sure. He was trying so hard to get my mind off of the pain of getting the epidural (which for the record, didn't hurt at all last time) this time it was bad...which also leads me to think---he was not quite all there. BUT I'm thankful for him and for his lovely drug---which made baby number 2's arrival---smooth sailing.
2. I had an adorable little Indian nurse Mini. I loved her and her accent. She told me I was sooo nice and that she loved taking care of me. How cute is that?
3. My male midwife, was awesome and after he delivered Griffin so quickly he said and I quote, "Are you ready to deliver the ugly twin"---meaning the placenta! Raresh was busting up while I think I threw up a little. I actually wanted to see the placenta this time around. Let me just say...once in my lifetime is more than enough!
4. After the birth...a little Asian nurse took over and asked if I could try to stand to go to the restroom--I was a little doubtful that I could stand right away but I tried...and bam...fell straight to the ground, and of course the little Asian had no business trying to pick me up. I'm glad Raresh was there to save me.
5. I got to facebook, watch Cops, and play Words with Friends through my entire labor. I love AMERICA!

Well...folks...that's my labor in nutshell and that's the way I will always remember turning the big 3-0!!!

Griffin John Isai has arrived...safe and sound

Hello friends...

My sweet baby boy...Griffin John has arrived.

on July 23rd 2010

at 4:25pm

7 pounds 15 ounces

20.5 inches

Absolutely perfect in every way.

There are no words to express my gratitude to the Lord for his constant care and provision regarding my son's arrival and regarding my entire family.

Thank you Lord for your goodness!

Still no baby boy...

Well...for those not calling me...texting me...or stalking my facebook...
I wanted to let you know that Baby Ace is not here yet. Although, it's a little frustrating---since all I heard was that if your first was early your second will probably early, too--it's been nice to be home with Raresh and Charlotte for a whole week. We've run errands together, went out to breakfast, took a little trip to the beach, enjoyed the pool, went for walks and took Charlotte to the park. It's not such a bad week when I think of it in this way.

Still...I can't say that it's been totally easy just waiting around for him. I'm extremely uncomfortable, LARGE, and just getting a little irritable.

So...for now...no baby. The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing...THERE IS NO WAY HE CAN BE IN ME FOREVER...right?

Until the next time, I'd appreciate your prayers for the timing of everything and for a speedy and healthy delivery and baby boy.

Last Day of Work...

Believe it or not...my first reaction is not YAHOO!!! It is so bittersweet. I'm so excited to be home with my family awaiting our little baby boy---I'm so excited to see him and hold him and kiss him and do all the things I've been dying to do---but I'm also really gonna miss my co-workers. I am so blessed to have such a great group of people that I work with. It's hard to imagine that Linda Games Isai...will not be at work on Monday bright and early ready to catch up on the weekend fun in everyone's lives.

But...the time has come...I'm ready for this next chapter in life.

Lord...thanks for a wonderful life, a wonderful job, and a wonderful new adventure that can begin at any moment!!!

Stay tuned!!!

Just checking in...

I had a Dr. appt yesterday that basically told me that I'm not having this little guy today or tomorrow...but maybe this weekend.

So we shall wait and see.

Charlotte was a week early---if baby Ace is a week early that will make his due date this weekend. So...anyone interested in making some guesses?

Can't wait to see you little man! We love you!

4th of July Weekend

I know I've mentioned that since May---my weekends have been JAM packed with festivities. We had birthday parties, holidays, weddings, showers, etc etc. The 4th of July was the last weekend I expected to really have anything planned, but since I felt like I had been on the go non-stop for 2 months, Raresh and I decided that for this 4th of July we wouldn't plan anything. We wouldn't do any BBQ's--we would just stay in, enjoy our home and play it by ear.

Well--fortunately the fact that we refused to make plans worked in our favor because his old roommate from England was in La Jolla this past weekend with his family and was hoping that we can meet up with them at Seaworld. At first, I was a little worried about committing to the trip because I'm 3 weeks away from my due date, we'd be going to San Diego, I'd be walking all day, and I'm stinking TIRED---but then I really thought about it and Raresh hasn't seen his friend in 10 years. They have never met each other's families and how often would this opportunity be presented to us. So--I decided I would go and do the best I can.

The weekend craziness started Friday, when we went up to March Air Force Base to get my military ID. Wow, it only took 8 years to get a spouse dependent card AND I'm so thrilled I look like a pumpkin in the photo! Grrrrrr Anyway, we had to get my ID because Seaworld would be free if we both had active military ID cards. So, needless to say---pumpkin or not...we were going to get those cards no matter what! Since we were in the neighborhood of the March Airfield Museum and my daughter is obsessed with planes and helicopters---we had to stop and see it. LOTS of walking and very hot! But all in all--it was nice.

On Saturday, we headed out to Seaworld bright and early and met up Raresh's friends. We had a great time and I even lasted until 4pm before I looked at Raresh and gave him the--my feet are going to explode look. I will say this. I'm glad we got in for free becuase Seaworld is no place for a 2 year old. The only thing to really do there is see shows and aquariums, right? Well, she doesn't really have the patience to sit and wait for a show to begin and then even really enjoy it. We saw the Shamu show---what a jip. The trainers don't even get in the water with them anymore. I guess a Killer Whale attack will change up the routine. Seaworld, does have a kid play area that was PACKED!---so we avoided that area. I wasn't in the mood to lose my kid.

On Sunday, our great country's birthday, we were all dressed and ready to go to church when Charlotte got sick. I was volunteering in the nursery that morning, but we never made it. We spent the whole day inside trying to get better. By 7pm, I was itching to see some fireworks, so we went to the local park in our area and celebrated the 4th with 8000 of our closest friends. 2 bummers about the evening, 1. we had to walk like 3 miles to get to and from our car and 2. our seats for the show were awesome except the car alarms kept going off because of the fireworks. I've never wanted to bust car windows as badly as I did that moment.

Finally, Monday came around and we were able to see Raresh's friends one more time before they headed back home. They came over for lunch and we just hung out. They have 3 kiddos, 8 year old Ethan who loves Legos, 4 year old Erin who whispers everything, and 20 month old Benji---who doesn't sit still for a minute! Boys are so much harder!!!! Yes, a mini panic attack occurred.

The Isai's and the Terman's

So that pretty much sums it up...for a weekend of no plans it sure turned out to be pretty busy.

BUSY WEEKEND!!!!

We had a very busy weekend. Raresh's brother Radu got married this past weekend to Jennifer. It was a beautiful day and a great wedding. Here are a few shots.

Our little flower girl...The lovely bride and her daddy.Here she is in action.

Landon and Charlotte.

Uncle Radu with his little niece.On Sunday, we had the whole family over for some pool fun and BBQ. Here is Charlotte with Kayla and Ally.Then on Monday, we took Charlotte to the Santa Ana zoo. After the zoo, some pool fun.